BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - The $8.5 million restoration of West Main Street in the Village of Lancaster marked its completion on Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The road between Central Avenue and the new roundabout on Aurora Street also includes bicycle lanes. Officials believe the completion of the project will draw the interest of developers to bring life back to the area after a fire in 1961 destroyed several buildings and devastated the village's economy.
"An urban renewal project came in late 60s and early 70s and built the Harvest Best Building," Village Mayor Lynne Ruda said. "About a year after it was established, it closed down. There's a huge parcel, 4.4 acres were then nothing. Erie 1 BOCES came in for a while in the late 80s and into the early 90s. Since then, we've had nothing."
Funding for the project was done in part due to the Buffalo Billion.
A three-story mixed use building with six retail stores and 18 apartments is currently under construction. Another mixed use building will be constructed on the other end of the street next year.
Ruda said there will be two new roundabouts, a renovation of Fireman's Park, a new terrace walkway to give pedestrians access to the street, and a new park along the creek.
"All these new attributes mean that this community is one that matters," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "It helps shape the character and its charm. This community oozes charm. It always has. And now more than ever before."
